Pancreas transplant and incidental Meckel’s diverticulum: not always a straightforward decision

  1. Timothy D. Light1,
  2. Jimmy A. Light2

Article first published online: 26 JUN 2009

DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2009.01029.x

Issue

Clinical Transplantation

Clinical Transplantation

Volume 23, Issue 5, pages 765–768, September/October 2009

Additional Information

How to Cite

Light, T. D. and Light, J. A. (2009), Pancreas transplant and incidental Meckel’s diverticulum: not always a straightforward decision. Clinical Transplantation, 23: 765–768. doi: 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2009.01029.x

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA

  2. 2

    Division of Transplant Services, Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA

*Corresponding author: Timothy D. Light, MD, Department of Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 200 Hawkins Dr. Rm. 164 SW GH, Iowa City, IA 52242-1009, USA. Tel.: +1 319 3849960; fax: +1 319 3563392; e-mail: timothy-light@uiowa.edu

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 1 OCT 2009
  2. Article first published online: 26 JUN 2009
  3. Accepted for publication 18 May 2009

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Keywords:

  • Meckel’s diverticulum;
  • operative technique;
  • pancreas transplant

Abstract:  Introduction:  Unexpected intraoperative findings are not rare in surgical practice. Meckel’s diverticulum with a mass is one such example. There are only two previously reported cases of Meckel’s in transplantation, and neither involved pancreas transplant.

Results and discussion:  We present a case report of novel surgical technique using a Meckel’s diverticulectomy site for the duodeno-enterostomy to managing the exocrine secretions of the transplanted pancreas. We also discuss management of Meckel’s diverticulum. The patient tolerated the procedure without complication, and continues to have normal renal and pancreatic function without any gastrointestinal (GI) complaints. The excised Meckel’s diverticulum contained both gastric and pancreatic tissue.

Conclusion:  Although uncertainty about the best management practices exists in the general surgery patient population, given the potential complications that may arise from Meckel’s diverticulum, in transplant patients the Meckel’s should be removed when encountered. The point of excision can safely be incorporated into other intestinal anastomoses.

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